RICS Level 2 Survey in SA45 New Quay

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey gives you a detailed check of the property's accessible areas, picking up obvious defects as well as less visible problems that could affect value or lead to costly repairs. We look at the roof structure, walls, foundations, windows, doors and the main building systems. In this coastal area, our surveyors pay close attention to damp, structural movement, timber decay and roof defects.

New Quay properties often take the full force of maritime weather, so we focus closely on mortar condition, render integrity and any evidence of salt damage or moisture penetration. Salt-laden air can speed up corrosion on external metalwork such as gutters, downpipes and railings. Add wind, rain and sun, and render can crack and delaminate over time. Our surveyors know these coastal patterns well and will point out anything that needs urgent work or planned maintenance.

We also look over boundaries, outbuildings and grounds, alongside any environmental risks linked to this coastal setting. The finished report uses a straightforward traffic light rating system, so it is clear which issues need urgent attention and which are smaller points you may want to raise with the seller. Each part of the report includes practical advice, from routine upkeep through to defects that call for a specialist contractor.

The survey covers the property's services too, including electrical wiring, plumbing and heating systems, with any installation that falls short of current safety standards, or needs professional attention, clearly flagged. We carry out a visual inspection of accessible wiring, consumer units and plumbing connections, recording any obvious defects while making clear that we do not test the underlying systems. If something gives us concern, we recommend further checks by qualified electricians or plumbers before completion.

• Roof and loft structure inspection
• Wall and foundation assessment
• Damp and moisture detection
• Window and door condition check
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Boundary and outbuilding review
• Thermal element assessment
• Market value and reinstatement cost

Across the New Quay area, we see a familiar set of defects during Level 2 inspections. Because many buildings in this historic fishing village are older, damp penetration is one of the issues we find most often, especially in period properties built before modern damp-proof courses became standard. Rising damp and penetrating damp can affect walls, floors and timber elements, and the damage can worsen if it is left unchecked. The coastal climate does not help, as high humidity and salt content can make moisture-related problems more severe in older buildings that were never designed for these conditions.

Roofing issues come up regularly as well. We often find missing or damaged tiles, deteriorated flashing and sagging rooflines across different kinds of property. Coastal exposure, combined with age, means many roofs need regular maintenance or full renewal. Where loft spaces are accessible, our surveyors inspect them carefully for insulation, ventilation and signs of past or present water ingress. In older properties, inadequate insulation is a common finding, and that can affect thermal efficiency as well as contribute to condensation.

Older properties can also be affected by structural movement, including subsidence and settlement, particularly where they stand on clay soils that shrink and swell as moisture levels change. New Quay is not a mining area, but properties here can still show signs of historic movement or foundation problems that need watching. We inspect walls for cracking patterns to help distinguish ongoing movement from historic settlement, then recommend the next step based on what we find. Where concerns are more serious, we may advise a further inspection by a structural engineer.

Electrical systems in older homes often fall short of current regulations. Outdated consumer units, limited earthing and aged wiring are all safety concerns that we highlight in the report. We visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring exits and socket positions, recording any obvious shortcomings. In period properties, plumbing can also include lead pipes or galvanized steel supply pipes, both of which are now considered inadequate. We flag these points and recommend specialist investigation by qualified tradespersons.

• Damp and moisture problems
• Roof defects and tile damage
• Structural movement and subsidence
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Window and door deterioration
• Inadequate insulation
• Defective render and mortar

The SA45 postcode brings a few extra points for buyers to think about, which is one reason a RICS Level 2 survey can be so useful here. New Quay is a popular tourist destination, and many properties are used as holiday lets or second homes. That can have an effect on insurance requirements, mortgageability and future resale potential. Our surveyors understand these local market conditions and can comment on how the current use of the property may affect your investment.

Local values and rental potential are shaped by an economy that depends heavily on tourism and fishing, which makes this market different from inland areas. Sea views and closeness to the harbour often push prices up, but those same homes can come with added maintenance issues caused by coastal exposure. We assess those location-specific factors and include relevant notes in the report. We can also spot properties that may be harder to insure or mortgage because of flood risk or concerns about coastal erosion.

Plenty of properties in SA45 were built using traditional methods from before modern building regulations. Stone-walled cottages, period terraces and converted farm buildings all need an experienced eye if their condition is to be judged properly. Our chartered surveyors have spent years inspecting traditional Welsh properties, so we know how to recognise both the appeal and the potential drawbacks of older construction. We also know what signs to look for where a building may have been altered over decades or even centuries of occupation.

Recent market data points to slight movement in SA45 prices, with a 1% decrease over the last 12 months and values now 5% below the 2023 peak of £318,971. Even so, the average property price is £303,833 and there have been only 22 sales in the past year, so this remains a relatively active market for a village location. A thorough survey helps you judge whether the asking price reflects the property's actual condition, and gives you firmer ground for negotiation where every transaction matters.